Tribute to Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz, Robert A. M. Stern, and Ruth Thorne-Thomsen

**In Memoriam: Honoring Visionaries in the Art World**

Every week, the art community pauses to pay respects to those who have significantly contributed to its rich and diverse tapestry. This week, in a special edition of *In Memoriam*, we remember those who have recently left us but whose legacies continue to inspire generations within and beyond the art world.

**Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz (1928–2025)**
An indefatigable advocate for women’s roles in the art industry, Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz was a co-founder of ArtTable and The Photographer’s Gallery and served as director of commissions at Pace Gallery. As president of Works of Art for Public Spaces, she was a prominent voice for female leadership in the arts. Jessica L. Porter, executive director of ArtTable, described her as “a force of nature… direct, generous, and unwavering in her belief in women’s leadership.”

**Tony Benedict (1936–2025)**
A visionary in animation, Tony Benedict was a talented storyboard artist and writer known for his work on classic Disney productions like *Sleeping Beauty* and Hanna-Barbera’s *The Flintstones* and *The Jetsons*. His storytelling contributed to the formative experiences of countless audiences.

**Kristján Guðmundsson (1941–2025)**
An influential Icelandic conceptual artist, Kristján Guðmundsson’s minimalist and cerebral art broke new ground in mark-making and experimentation with found objects. A pivotal member of the SÚM gallery collective, his contribution to visual arts on an international scale was marked by Iceland’s representation at the 1982 Venice Biennale.

**Myroslava Kopcha (2000–2025)**
A promising Ukrainian artist, Myroslava Kopcha’s work in etching, monotype, and engraving explored complex themes such as femininity, corporeality, and memory. Her untimely demise is a significant loss to the global art community.

**Jose Lozano (1959–2025)**
Blending cultural influences from Mexico and Southern California, Chicano cartoonist Jose Lozano was renowned for his vibrant paintings and public artworks. His unique vision enriched the cultural dialogue between two vibrant communities.

**Charles Dee Mitchell (1951–2025)**
A dedicated patron of the arts, Charles Dee Mitchell was a curator and critic whose deep engagement with the North Texas art scene shaped its evolution. As a curator at The Reading Room and other venues, he passionately supported local creatives.

**Alfreda McHale (d. 2025)**
British installation artist Alfreda McHale’s work blurred the lines between the domestic and the artistic. Her innovative installations invited viewers to see the everyday as an intrinsic part of artistic experience, a principle she applied both in life and in art.

**Yoshio Nakamura (1925–2025)**
A passionate educator and artist, Yoshio Nakamura’s nearly 30-year tenure at Rio Hondo College was marked by his devotion to teaching future generations of artists. His influence is visible in the careers of numerous art professionals.

**Howard L. Rehs (1959–2025)**
As president of Rehs Galleries, Inc., Howard L. Rehs was a vital force in promoting 19th- and 20th-century French art. His integrity and support for living artists were widely celebrated, ensuring the legacy of past and contemporary masters.

**Michael H. Smith (1945–2025)**
An integral figure in Southern California’s art community, Michael H. Smith made his mark as an artist, curator, and dealer. His gallery initiatives and work at prestigious museums demonstrated his commitment to promoting art’s transformative power.

**Ruth Thorne-Thomsen (1943–2025)**
Photographer Ruth Thorne-Thomsen’s “environmental collages” offered uncanny glimpses into her artistic vision. Her mastery of the pinhole camera and work held in major institutions, such as the Whitney Museum, speak to her lasting impact.

**Robert A. M. Stern (1939–2025)**
A celebrated architect and academic, Robert A. M. Stern’s contributions include designs for iconic museums like the Museum of the American Revolution. His belief that architecture should engage with the larger environment remains an enduring lesson.

**Michael Twyman (1943–2025)**
A pioneer in typography, Michael Twyman founded Reading University’s Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. His profound influence on design education positioned many of his students as leaders in the global design community.

The absence of these remarkable individuals is deeply felt, yet their contributions continue to guide the future of the arts. Their voices, visions, and achievements remind us of the boundless potential of creativity and the infinite ways it enriches our world.